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Special Enrollment – Job Loss

Losing your health insurance after a job loss can be tough. If there is a silver lining, it's that you have more health insurance options than ever before. In the past, COBRA was your only option. Today, you can buy your own health insurance and you may even get help paying for it.

If you experienced any of the qualifying life events listed below, you may qualify for special enrollment. This means you can enroll in health insurance during a special enrollment period. But keep in mind you only have 60 days to enroll in health insurance after a job loss. After that, you'll have to wait until open enrollment.

Job-loss related qualifying life events include:

A decrease in work hours that leads to your health benefits being cut

Being laid off

Quitting or losing your job

COBRA coverage ending

Can I afford health insurance?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has many plans to choose from to fit your budget. Based on your income and family size, you may be able to get help paying for your health insurance with savings on out-of-pocket costs or a premium tax credit. Estimate your premium tax credit.

What if I don't qualify for Special Enrollment?

Depending on your income, you may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. There is no special enrollment period for those government offered coverage options – you can apply at any time.

Members of American Indian tribes can enroll any month, not just during open enrollment. You can even apply for cost assistance.

Start Shopping Now

If you need health insurance after a job loss, enroll now to take advantage of this qualifying life event. Start shopping to compare BCBSIL plans and find the right one for you and your family.

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